You have an ATV and you’re ready to explore the great outdoors with it. But the trail you’re eyeing is quite a distance from where you live, so you’ll need a way of getting the ATV there. You have a pickup truck, so transportation shouldn’t be a problem, right? Now, how do you get your ATV onto the bed of the truck for transport? You could ask a friend to help you lift it off the ground and onto the truck bed, but that only puts you both at risk of suffering from back injury.

Why not use a truck ramp instead? With the right loading ramp, you won’t have to bother anyone else with the task of loading the ATV onto your pickup truck. You can easily load it on your own. The ramp also makes the loading process a lot safer both for you and for your ATV. By doing away with the lifting, you save yourself from the risk of injuring your back; you also take away the risk of damaging the ATV, which can happen if it lands badly as you lift it onto the back of the truck.

To make the most of your investment, you have to make sure you choose the ramp that best suits your needs and preferences. Towards that end, it pays for you to know what the different types of ramp are, and what their respective features are.

Standard RampsThis is a simple, non-foldable ramp. It is perhaps the easiest type of ramp to set up, since you simply have to secure it to your truck’s tailgate. The disadvantage is that it requires ample storage space, which means it isn’t as portable as other types of ramp. If you plan to use a standard ramp, therefore, you have to make sure there’s enough space on your truck bed for both the ATV and the ramp. It is also important to take exact measurements of the area where you plan to load the ATV so as to make sure you buy a ramp of the right length.

Folding RampsAs the name suggests, this type of ramp can be folded for storage. There are bi-fold ramps and tri-fold ramps. Whichever style of folding ramp you choose, it will take more time to set up than a standard ramp, since you’ll have to unfold it, secure it to the truck’s tailgate, and secure the joints as well. A folding ramp, however, is a lot easier to store on your truck bed for transport. The bi-fold ramp has the advantage of being easier to set up, but the tri-fold ramp is known to be a lot more portable.

Collapsible RampsThese are basically two or more separate ramps (also known as runners) secured together to form a wide ramp over which you can ride or guide your ATV for loading and unloading. The design is intended to provide more storage options. This type of ramp comes in both folding and non-folding varieties. Its biggest disadvantage, perhaps, is that it really takes time to set up.

Extenders/Combination RampsThese are multi-use ramps preferred by many people. They usually have large rungs and are directly attached to the tailgate hardware. It does take considerable time to set up and take down, but it is also the most versatile type of ramp. Other than a ramp for loading and unloading your ATV, it can also serve as a truck bed extender, useful for when you plan to load many items and the space in your truck bed falls short.

Loading Your ATV

Now that you know what types of ramp are available out there, you should be in a better position to choose the right ramp to serve your needs. Once you’ve chosen and purchased a ramp, you’ll be ready to go on that outdoor adventure you’ve been planning. You have to make sure, though, that your ATV is loaded properly to keep you safe from injury and the vehicle from damage of any sort. Here are a few tips to help you along:

Make sure the ramp you choose is more than capable of holding not only the weight of your ATV, but your own weight as well. You’ll either be riding or guiding the vehicle up the ramp, so you and the ATV will be on the ramp at the same time, which is why the ramp should be able to hold your combined weight. It’s a good idea to weigh your ATV and yourself before buying a ramp and then make sure the ramp you get has a weight capacity that’s more than the resulting combined weight.

Make sure the ground on which the ramp rests is even and perfectly flat to prevent shaking as you load the ATV. Too much movement could result in the ATV (and you) falling off the side of the ramp. Remember that the goal is to prevent damage to the vehicle and injury to you.

Make sure the angle of the incline isn’t too steep. A steep incline also increases the risk of injury to you and damage to the ATV because it can cause the vehicle to fall over backwards as it nears the top of the incline, especially if you’re riding it and you happen to go too fast. You may want to take measurements with a tape measure before buying a ramp, so you’ll know what length of ramp to get in order to have an incline that’s just right for you.

Secure the ramp by attaching all the safety straps and devices. Make sure the straps are snug. Straps that are too long can make the ramp sag or cause a gap between the edge of the ramp and your truck’s tailgate, which also poses a danger as your ATV approaches the top of the ramp.

Be sure to load your ATV in first gear and to avoid jerky starts and stops while the ATV is on the ramp. You should also avoid riding the ATV up the ramp at high speed. That can cause the vehicle to buckle and fall off the ramp or ram into the back of your pickup truck.

Wherever possible, use a winch to load your ATV, rather than riding it up the ramp. Using a winch is a much safer option because it allows you to stand clear of the ATV as it goes up the ramp. It also gives you better control over the precision and speed of loading. And in case something goes wrong during the loading or unloading process, you won’t have to worry about injury, since you’re standing at a safe distance. If you do choose to ride your ATV up the ramp, be sure to wear protective gear to reduce the risk of injury in case of accidents.

As soon as the ATV is loaded onto the back of your pickup truck, set the parking brakes and then secure it to the truck bed by attaching the tie-down straps. Be sure to attach two straps in front and two at the back. The straps should be tight enough for the ATV not to move when you try to rock it. You should also secure any excess strap length so it doesn’t flap in the wind or drag. It may also be a good idea to cover your ATV so as to protect it from debris during transport.

Now you know why truck ramps are very useful pieces of equipment and how to use them properly. You can finally explore the great outdoors. Enjoy!

Trying on a new persona, or dressing up as an eccentric character just for fun is one of the things that makes Halloween special for most people. For that reason, a lot of specialty shops that are normally quiet during the rest of the year suddenly become abuzz with action whenever this holiday comes around. Among those shops are the ones who sell novelty contact lenses. As observed, contact lenses have become an essential to completing one’s look for the Halloween. If you are among those people who follow this trend then there are several things you need to keep in mind when buying a pair of contact lenses.

Basically, colored Halloween contact lenses are made using similar materials as the original clear ones that are made to enhance the wearer’s vision. However, unlike the latter, not all of these lenses are prescription lenses and some of them are not safe for long term use. If you want to keep your eyes safe from any side effects brought about by carelessly using these accessories or tiny medical devices (as the FDA wants to call them) then you have to make sure to follow the necessary precautions.

Before buying contact lenses, you have to consider whether it’s safe for you to wear a pair. Contact lenses are a good addition to any kind of costume. It creates a big impact on the wearer’s appearance without doing too much. However, contact lenses are not suitable for everyone. People with allergies or dry eyes may want to reconsider the whole idea. These conditions may cause a lot of discomfort to the wearer. To avoid that, it’s best to consult an eye doctor first before getting fitted for a pair of contacts. Apart from providing accurate prescription, the eye specialist can also give sound advice for those who wish to wear contacts but suffer from occasional bouts of allergies or those who simply have dry eyes.

When not used properly, contact lenses can cause several side effects. Two of the most common include corneal ulcers and fungal eye infections. These inconveniences can be avoided by making sure that the lenses are clean before wearing them. Contact lenses should be soaked in their respective solutions. Depending on which optical clinic you go to, most of these solutions are offered for free after a client or a patient willingly buys a pair of contact lenses. Whichever tactic is applied, the most important thing for now is to learn how to clean lenses properly.

He is Christian Grey in the film adaptation of E.L James’ erotic novel Fifty Shades of Grey but Jamie Dornan’s personality in reality is very far from the BDSM-lover Grey. Here are some surprising facts about the hottest leading man in Hollywood- Jamie Dornan:

He was a former underwear model

With his toned physique that can make any girl drool, it is not surprising that Dornan used to be a model. What’s surprising is that he is not just an ordinary model; for years, he has been collaborating with Calvin Kline as an underwear model. Dornan also used to pose for elite clothing lines Dior and Armani, making him a high profile fashion model. Despite having a killer bod, he confided that he did not really like modeling that much.

He is a singer

Prior to gaining attention in the limelight, Dornan used to be part of a folk band called Sons of Jim. Despite receiving positive feedback with their songs, the group separated in 2008. Son of Jim have released only two singles “Fairytale” and “My Burning Son,” which you can view on YouTube.

He is happily married

Dornan married singer-songwriter and actress Amelia Warner last April 27, 2013 in a country house at Somerset. After two months of their wedding, the couple announced that they were expecting their first child. November that same year, Dornan and his wife welcome their beautiful baby girl named Dulcie.

He used to date Pirate of the Caribbean’s Keira Knightley

Dornan had his first taste of fame after dating Keira Knightley from 2003 up to 2005. According to an interview in Vogue Magazine in 2014, Dornan revealed that he learnt fame through his ex-girlfriend Knightley. Being followed by the paparazzi almost everywhere and every day, Dornan became aware of how it is like to be famous and how to handle it. After separating in 2005—almost two years after dating—the two remain good friends. Knightley is now married to musician James Righton and are expecting their first child.

Highly considered as one of the greatest film actors of all time, Meryl Louise Streep started her career as a stage actress in the play The Playboy of Seville in 1971. Several years later, Streep made her first TV appearance in the TV film The Deadliest Season in 1977; during the same year, she starred in her first movie Julia. Almost four decades after entering the film industry, Streep has been hailed as the most nominated actress in the Academy Awards with 19 nominations as of 2015. Here are some amazing facts about The Iron Lady star:

She has four honorary doctorates

Streep is among those celebrities who have received honorary doctorates from different universities. After graduating at Vassar College, she pursued her masters at Yale University prior to entering the film industry. In 1983, Yale gave Streep an honorary doctorate. Just last 2009 and 2010, she was awarded another honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts and Doctorate of Arts in Princeton and Harvard. In 2014, Streep received another doctorate from Indiana University.

She and her husband are among several Hollywood couples with the longest marriages

Streep and sculptor husband has been married for 36 years since September 30, 1978. The two first met a few months after the death of John Cazale whom Streep was engaged with. After a brief courtship, they got married the same year. The power couple is blessed with equally talented children Henry, Mamie, Grace, and Louisa. In an interview with Good Housekeeping, Streep has confided how much she depended on her husband.

She was a model student

While pursuing masters at Yale School of Drama, Streep worked part-time as a waitress and a typist to supplement her course’s fees. She was so hard-working and focused in her dreams in acting that she developed ulcer from fatigue. After getting her masters, she joined Hollywood and the rest is history.

Believe it or not, many of the popular personalities you see and hear on TV, radio, print media, and the Internet are cat lovers! Aside from their feline-loving hearts, here are a few more things you may want to know about these famous personalities:

The 14th Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso)

Tenzin Gyatso is the current Dalai Lama – the head monk of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. He is, so far, the longest-lived leader of the said school and religion since 1950. Aside from his great responsibility as a leader, he was a Nobel Peace Prize winner in 1989 due to his advocacy for Tibetans within and beyond Tibet.

There is actual evidence of the leader’s genuine love for cats. In fact, author David Michie even wrote about it in a book entitled, “The Dalai Lama’s Cat.”

Priscilla Ahn

Priscilla Ahn is an American songwriter and singer. She plays the piano, guitar, harmonica, banjo, and ukulele. She released her first single entitled, “Dream” from her debut album, A Good Day, under EMI’s Blue Note Records. Her song, Fine on the Outside, is the official theme song of the Studio Ghibli movie, When Marnie was There. The song topped the music charts in Japan.

Ahn is a lover of nature and animals. In fact, she has a pet cat named Marnie (named after the protagonist of the Ghibli film).

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift is a popular American singer and songwriter. She is known for her songs that are a mixture of pop and country music.

Her musical career began in 2004 and she continues to top the US and UK music charts to this day. Taylor has two beautiful and adorable cats, which she proudly named Meredith Gray and Olivia Benson.

Who knows, maybe these personalities take inspiration from their pet cats as they go about their daily routines.

Special occasions like Valentine’s Day, birthdays, and Christmas are days when you give special gifts to your loved ones. If you have a friend who is an avid fan of manga, then buying one for him/her would be an excellent decision. But you can’t just get any manga from a bookshelf and hope your friend likes it. The title of the manga and the genre matters a lot and should definitely be taken into serious consideration.

Why Buy Mangas

One of the best reasons why you should buy manga as a gift for a friend is that it is not that expensive, especially compared to clothes and other things usually given away as gifts. And just like paperback novels, every page of a manga can also capture a person’s interest. You’ll be fascinated not only by the art of the manga, but also the story that it tells.

Know His/Her Preferred Genre

Each person has his/her own preferred choice of genre when it comes to manga. Picking a manga that’s the opposite of what he or she likes might be really disappointing to the receiver. Before you buy a manga, at least know his preferred genre. Is the person into shoujo, shonen, yaoi? Be sure to choose wisely!

Titles

Although a genre is something your friend prefers, doesn’t necessarily mean he/she will like all mangas belonging to the genre. The plot of some titles just might not be to his/her taste. It wouldn’t hurt to ask your friend what manga he or she usually reads. Just don’t try to make it obvious that you are planning to buy that manga title as a gift.

Price

Of course, you need to be mindful of the price. Only buy a manga that’s well within your budget. Don’t go overboard on buying “bundles” or “special editions” if they are not worth it or if you can’t afford it. To save you a lot of cash, pay a visit to your local bookstore or try looking for titles online. You might find some interesting titles there that your friend might enjoy. Good luck!

There are two kinds of people—the one who loves reading books and the one who doesn’t read at all. Most of the time, these two kinds have ideas that clash also. The one who loves reading books always justify his or her passion while those that don’t like reading books always argue about why they disdain this popular pastime. While the other camp is citing time issues and lack of interest as a major roadblock to reading, the other camp sees read as an advantage because it makes a person smarter and it enhances mental stimulation.

Disadvantage: Reading books is such a boring activity

For people who are avid readers, reading books is definitely a relaxing activity but for those who do not like reading at all, they consider it as a boring pastime. Reading books, for them, is intended only for school or work purposes; they do not really enjoy doing it. Most of the time, those who hate reading books only do it for the sake of passing book reports and literary analyses. Instead of reading books, they’d rather be on the fields playing or at home facing the computer browsing the Internet for stuff. Reading has never been appealing to them.

Advantage: Reading stimulates brain activities

Reading can help you sharpen your mentally acuity, and studies made by experts have already proved that. By reading books, your brain becomes stimulated; a strong and active brain reduces the risk of developing conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Reading books also help you improve your memory and concentration. It also helps you expand your knowledge and skills. If you want to become a little bit wiser every day, read books.

Disadvantage: Reading books wastes time

Time is gold; that’s what people who hate books always say. Instead of reading books, they have a lot of things that needed to be done first. Reading books is a time waster, that’s what they say; they do not have enough time to sit whole day and concentrate on books because there are a lot of stuff that should be done. And with many books being adapted into TV series or movies, they would rather sit for an hour or two to watch them rather than read the book. Reading really takes time, not unless you are the fastest reader on earth, and that’s one of the reasons why some people avoid books.

Advantage: Reading eliminates stress

For avid book lovers, reading books can melt away the stress and help them turn a bad day into a good one. Reading books can provide an avenue for relaxation and it is an ideal way of unwinding after going through a tough day. Reading definitely relaxes the mind. Studies have also revealed that people who read books before going to bed fall asleep more easily and soundly compared to those who do not read. Do you want to have a goodnight sleep? Then make it a habit to read books before sleeping.

Whether or not you love reading, you cannot change the fact that reading books definitely plays an important role in our lives. Without books, we will never learn stuff and if we weren’t taught how to read, life would definitely be harder for us.

Halloween is fast approaching and people are busy preparing their costumes. If this is your first Hallow’s Eve outing, you’ll need to choose your costume well. This includes contact lenses, which are essential items if you want an authentic costume outcome. There are several issues about contact lenses that first time users like you will want to have answers for.

One of the first things you’ll need to learn is how to properly handle contact lens. How do you hold them? Do you put them into the palm of your hands, or do you really need to place them on your finger? How should you wear them?

First, place your contact lens on your finger (or fingertip), not in the palm of your hands. Make sure that it is positioned in the right way. Thus, the lens should form a U shape, with the edges not spread (as in a bowl). If your lens is tinted, simply make sure that the tinted area is what you see and what will clearly appear.

Some contact lenses have brand markings on them, so you won’t have a difficult time determining which side is the correct one.

If you’re ready to wear your contact lens, you’ll have to wash your hands before putting it on. To avoid irritation and other similar problems, do not use perfumed soaps for your hand. Likewise, do not apply lotion on your hand.

Putting on the contact lens will require a little extra care. Of course, your contact lens should be placed at the tip of your finger. Be sure that your hands (fingers) are not wet when handling the lens. Then, when you’re ready, use your free hand (or fingers) to open your eyes. Gently lift the upper eyelid, pull down the lower eyelid and then place the contact lens on your eye. While doing this, you should look up. Once the lens is inside, close your eyes for awhile and roll it so that the lens will slowly position itself. This will also help you feel comfortable.

To make sure that the lens is placed at the center of your eye, stand in front of a mirror while putting it on. If you’re using the contact lens as part of your Halloween costume, it is advisable to put them on before you dress up.

When you’re ready to remove your contact lens, wash your hands thoroughly before touching anything. Removing is a little easier compared to wearing the lens. All you need to do is look up or to the side and then gently pull your lower eyelid down. Position the lens in the middle of your eye before you start “pinching” it together. This will make it easier for you to take off the lens from your eye. However, if your contact lens is not the soft type, just bend over, open your eyes as wide as you can, and prepare your open palm (for catching the lens). The lens will easily pop out when you blink as you pull the skin by the sides of your eye toward the ear area.

Like what you did when you put on the lens, do this in front of a mirror.

Finally, since you’re wearing contact lenses as a part of your Halloween costume, remember that putting on eye makeup with your lens can be uncomfortable and may even lead to allergies. To avoid complications like this, put on your contact lens before you apply makeup and use only hypo-allergenic brands.

If you are considering putting on a pair of colored contact lenses, you should be mindful of a few factors to ensure safety and comfort. Although contact lenses come in a variety of sizes that fit most wearers, there are specific situations that are out of one’s control. For instance, when staying in an air conditioned room for a period of time, your eyes become dry. This can cause some degree of discomfort, especially when you are wearing contact lenses. Sometimes, a simple blinking action can cause the lens to slide over the pupil of your eye, limiting your vision.

To remedy this, always carry around rewetting drops anywhere you go. Rewetting drops, otherwise known as lubricating eye drops, allow the wearer to rewet the lenses without having to remove them. Most extended wear contact lenses require rewetting, especially if they are on for longer periods or if you fell asleep with them still on. Although going to bed with your contact lenses still on is not advisable since it can irritate your eyes or damage the contacts.

When it comes to contact lenses, hygiene and proper care should always be observed. If you visit an eye specialist – like an optometrist or ophthalmologist – to get fitted for contact lenses, you will almost certainly be given a complete crash course on the safety, proper care and maintenance, and other responsibilities of a contact lens wearer. These include washing your hands every time you handle your lenses, whether putting them on, removing them, or simply cleaning them.

Always make sure, when handling your contact lenses, that your hands are free from dust particles, fibers, or lint. Even the minutest particles left on the lens can cause discomfort and irritation once you put it on. The lifespan of contact lenses vary on the type, quality, and frequency of use. Disposable lenses usually last anywhere between a week up to a month, while extended wear lenses normally lasts up to a year, or maybe more with proper care. Extended wear lenses can be worn on a daily basis if so desired.

Tap water getting into contact with your contact lenses is another thing you should avoid. Water, even if it’s safe to drink, contain microorganisms that can damage your lenses. Unlike your contact lens solution, which is specially formulated for cleaning and soaking, tap water can be absorbed by the lens causing it to swell. This effect will undoubtedly change how the lens fit on your eye, especially if you are wearing contacts with corrective power.

The fact of the matter is colored contact lenses are about as safe as grandpa’s false teeth. As long as the proper cleaning procedures are observed, taking into account your eye care practitioner’s instructions, there should be nothing to worry about. So, grab your prescription now and start wearing your new color contact lenses. Does sweet chocolate brown sound good, or would you prefer a lighter shade of gray eyes?

Colored contact lenses allow you to change your look almost instantly, just like switching from an old pair of jeans to a nice stylish dress. There are a million ways to change someone’s appearance. A guy can grow a beard or a mustache, a girl can choose to wear flashy makeup or simply go for a subtle makeover. But there is one aspect that almost always remains the same, the color of one’s eyes. This is where colored contacts can make a huge difference when it comes to a complete makeover. You can choose to make your eyes lighter and more dazzling or spice it up a bit with a darker shade of brown or green.

The two basic types of contact lenses are prescription and plano. There are prescription colored contacts available, which allow vision correction for astigmatism, myopia or nearsightedness, and hyperopia or farsightedness. Plano lenses, on the other hand, are used purely for cosmetics and eye color enhancements since they have no correctional power.

Colored contact lenses work by mimicking the natural look of the iris; that’s the colored part of your eye. A common misconception is that colored contact lenses have solid colors. This may only be true for Halloween contact lenses or special effects lenses like what you see in horror movies and zombie flicks. Cosmetic contact lenses have a more intricate design, which features tiny colored dots and lines to mimic the series of shapes and streaks of the human iris, giving a more natural look when worn.

The central portion of a colored contact lens is clear since this is the part that rests over the pupil of the eye. The pupil is the tiny black dot at the center of your eye. This is where light enters, allowing you to see. Although most colored contact lenses have a clear center, there are contact lenses that cover not just the iris but the pupil as well. Costume lenses like the whiteout contact lens, which gives the wearer a creepy blind appearance, covers the entire colored part of the eye, including the pupil, which is why it is advisable to wear the lens only in one eye and not wear them at all if you are driving or doing something that requires full vision.

Unlike whiteouts, black contacts have a clear center since the color of your pupil is already black. Therefore, they can be worn in both eyes. All black contact lenses are a perfect match for vampire costumes or an all black suit for a mysterious and menacing look.

Lighter shades of color contact lenses work well with people with dark complexions. When it comes to choosing the best color for you, there is no harm in experimenting. Pick a color that is a huge contrast to your natural eye color and you might just surprise yourself with your new look.

Circle contact lens or more popularly known as circle lens is a cosmetic type of contact lens that makes the irises of the eyes appear bigger, giving you a pair of striking eyes that people would surely die to have. This type of decorative lenses is very popular among teenagers and even celebrities because they can really enhance your look and make your eyes doll-like. Circle lenses were first introduced in 2004 in Asian countries such as Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and Singapore as a type of decorative contact lens that can help you achieve the most coveted anime look by giving you big, round doll-like eyes. Over the time, Western countries began using circle lenses that contributed more to their popularity.

Just like regular contact lenses, circle lenses also require to be taken care of meticulously. Since our eyes are very sensitive and prone to many kinds of infections, it is very important that you should know how to avoid any eye complication by taking care of the devices properly. When it comes to using either regular contact lenses or circle lenses, proper hygiene, usage, and storage should be given importance. Using contact lenses has many risks involved but if you know the safety measures, you can definitely avoid any possible eye complications. Knowing the safety rules when using circle lenses is not just enough; you must also learn to apply it.

When you are using circle lenses, there is a list of do’s and don’ts that must be followed and failing to heed of these simple instructions, you are increasing the risk of your eyes getting infected. The first thing that you must never do when using circle lenses is not to share them to anybody. Your circle lenses should only be for your own use because if you let others wear them, you might get eye infections and irritations that might even lead to severe complications. Another thing that you must never do is to wash your circle lenses with tap water. Instead, clean your lenses using multipurpose solution which is especially made for contact lenses. By washing your circle lenses with tap water, your contacts might accumulate germs that will definitely cause infections in your eyes. Always remember also to change your solution in storage every day. It is equally important also to change your circle lenses every three months.

To avoid corneal ulcers and other severe eye complications that might lead surgical operation, you must never sleep with circle lenses; always remind yourself to take it off before going to bed. Also, don’t wear contacts for more than eight hours. Moreover, if at any time your eyes are feeling dry, use eye drops to moisturize them but only in a proper portion. Using of contact lenses when going for a swim or sauna is also a big no-no; take them off if you want to avoid eye complications. Lastly, if you are feeling any discomforts, don’t hesitate to remove your lenses immediately to relieve your eyes. Wearing circle lenses can definitely make you look more beautiful but you should also make sure that your eyes are infection-free. You only have two eyes, take care of them while making yourself look even more fabulous.